Referee Explains Controversial Ruling After Mavericks Protest Loss to Warriors

Crew chief Sean Wright detailed what went on in a bizarre moment in the third quarter.

The Mavericks' loss to the Warriors on Wednesday night didn’t come without some significant controversy. After the game, however, the referee involved explained what went on in a pool report interview with media members. 

Crew Chief Sean Wright was asked by Tim Cato of The Athletic about the controversial play during the second half, which effectively resulted in a free basket for Golden State coming out of a timeout in which Dallas thought it was was supposed to have possession.

When asked why the Warriors were awarded possession despite it initially being called as Dallas’s ball, Wright attempted to clear the air.

“Initially on the floor the original signal was in fact Golden State ball as this can be seen on video. There is a second signal but that signal is for a mandatory timeout that was due to the Mavs,” said Wright.

NBA Referee Sean Wright comments to a pool reporter after the Warriors at Mavericks Game:https://t.co/TwR5dq0r2D

— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) March 23, 2023

The incident occurred with 1:54 left on the clock in the third quarter. On the play, Jordan Poole was able to inbound to an uncontested Kevon Looney under their basket and score an easy two points. 

The Mavericks reportedly filed an official protest of the result of the game as a result of the controversial decision, but as Wright indicates, it seems the ball was never actually awarded to Dallas.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban claimed that the team had gone into the timeout under the impression that it was their ball and that the Warriors had been given possession without their knowledge during the break.